Cleaning Your Commercial Microwave Oven: 8 Squeaky Clean Tips

In 1947, a restaurant in Boston tested the first commercial microwave. Since then, commercial microwaves have become essential to the food industry.

If your commercial microwave takes care of you, it's important you also take care of the microwave. Maintaining a clean microwave will ensure you don't violate any health codes and extend the life of the microwave.

Read on to learn how you can clean your microwave oven.

1. Clean Out Any Food Crumbs

The first step before you start cleaning your commercial microwave is to remove any excess crumbs. You will save a lot of cleaning time if you remove excess food crumbs first.

All you have to do is take a towel or paper towel and collect all of the crumbs from the microwave.

2. Remove Detachable Pieces

Once you remove all of the crumbs from the microwave, it's time you take out any pieces that might need cleaning.

Most microwaves have detachable rotating trays, which makes them easier to take off and clean. Before you remove any of the pieces, make sure you read the manufacturer's manual to learn any specific instructions.

To wash the rotational tray, use dishwasher soap and warm water. You can gently scrub the tray using a sponge or a dishrag.

If the tray is extra greasy, soak it in dish soap and water for a few minutes before you try to scrub it. You can let it soak for a few minutes longer if the grease doesn't come off.

Before you put the tray back in the microwave, make sure it's completely dry.

3. Get the Stubborn Food Deposits

After you have taken care of all the loose crumbs and have removed the tray, it's time you tackle the stubborn food deposits.

Don't try this task with a dry towel or sponge. You will need to take a microfiber towel or cloth and soak it in dish soap and warm water.

If it has been a while since you last cleaned your microwave, this task will prove a bit challenging. Don't attempt to use a paper towel for this task since it will just crumble.

Taking the rag, start cleaning the interior of the microwave. Make sure you scrub every single surface and avoid getting deep inside the vents.

The vents protect the internal circuit of the microwave. Make sure you only use a soft rag and avoid any scrubs that would scratch the interior of the microwave.

For example, you should avoid using a knife to remove any food that is stuck.

4. Get a Commercial Microwave Cleaner

Because you need to ensure your commercial microwave is properly sanitized, you should use a commercial cleaner periodically. Keep in mind you cannot use a microwave commercial cleaner to clean a regular oven.

The formula of a microwave cleaner helps prevent food build-up and makes it easier to clean. When using a commercial cleaner, make sure you follow the instructions on the label for better results.

If commercial microwave cleaner is not available, you also have the option of using baking soda and water as a natural deodorizer. Create a paste out of baking soda and water and scrub the interior using a clean towel.

To clean the excess baking soda, use a clean damp towel.

5. Boil Your Microwave Clean

As we mentioned earlier, there's nothing worse than cleaning a commercial microwave with hardened and crusty food stuck to the walls. To make it easier to clean, you have to soften the food that is stuck.

The best way to get rid of that crusty food is by creating a cloud of steam. All you need is water and lemon juice to get started without any fancy cleaners.

Place 1 1/4 cups of water and 1/4 cup of lemon juice and put it in a microwave-safe dish. Since you want the water to boil, set the microwave on high for seven minutes.

After the water boils for seven minutes, let the water sit in the microwave for an additional five minutes. This will make it a lot easier for you to clean the inside of the microwave.

Simply grab a damp towel and wipe the interior of the microwave. If not all of the food comes off on the first try, you can repeat the process.

6. Prep the Exterior

Although you want to prioritize the inside of the microwave, you cannot neglect the outside.

Fortunately, you can use the same products you use to clean other kitchen surfaces to clean the exterior of the microwave. You want to make sure the products you use won't damage your microwave. Green or eco-friendly products are the best to use on microwaves.

7. Dust the Microwave

Excess dust forming on the outside of the microwave can also harm the microwave. If too much dust builds up in the back of the microwave, it could harm the mechanism.

Before you dust or clean the microwave, you should unplug it from the wall.

To dust the exterior, you need to use a damp rag or a microfiber cloth. You need to dry the microwave using a dry rag.

Don't forget to also remove the excess dust from the cord. You don't have to clean the dust off the cord as often. You can dust the microwave at the same time you dust your other kitchen equipment.

8. Clean the Exterior

How you clean the exterior depends on what type of microwave you have. Newer models have sophisticated digital number displays that could get damaged if you're not careful.

Make sure you carefully clean the digital display of the microwave to avoid causing any damages to the sensors. If you use harsh chemicals, it could damage your microwave. It's best you use a soap and water formula or a cleaner made for digital devices.

On the handle of the microwave, you need to use antibacterial wipes since many people tend to touch it.

How to Clean a Commercial Microwave Oven: The Bottom Line

Now that you know how to clean your commercial microwave oven, it's time you make it shine.

Start by removing loose crumbs, remove the rotation tray, clean excess food deposits, and wipe off the outside.

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